Live at Budokan is the 3rd live album from Prog Metal avatars Dream Theater. For many musicians, no introduction of these fine fellows is needed. They jettisoned a genre, created some of the most beloved songs of the progressive genre and stunned the world with the definitive "Images and Words" (1992) and the epic (on a level of even Floyd's "The Wall) "Scenes From A Memory" (1999).

Their most recent studio works, "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" (2002) and "Train of Thought" (2003) are the focus of this concert DVD and Live CD, as this was recorded at the Budokan (naturally) in Japan on their Train Of Thought tour. Despite the fact that ToT especially has been getting mixed reviews from many fans, the band puts on an excellent show as always, and delivers their studio power live.

I will not do a track by track review, since the albums these tracks are on have all been reviewed here. I will summarize the experience of the Concert: The band comes out roaring, and delivers with great power. For Dream Theater fans this performance will be a great pleasure to listen to. Surprisingly good, considering there are not as many classics as many DT fans would like. For those new to Dream Theater, this is an excellent showing of their heavier side (which has been prevalent since "Scenes From A Memory")

As a DVD, it tops "Metropolis 2000" (2001) in the simple fact that the concert is a concert, as opposed to an attempt to draw you into the story through annoying, choppy visuals. Mike Portnoy has indeed matured as a director. The lighting and camera work are phenomenal, and enhance the experience greatly. As for the sound: The low ends could be less prevalent at times, but overall the mix is great. For best results: Connect your CD player/TV to a stereo.

Pros:
- Great, heavy, set list
- Well directed, and structured concert
- All musicians are at their podiums of virtuosity
- Drummer Mike Portnoy steals the show with his energetic attitude

Cons:
- Petrucci and Myung, sadly, and as always, seem as statues on the stage
- Few or no tracks from IaW or Awake
- LaBrie's singing voice sometimes comes through as nasal
- Non-Musicians will grow bored of it quickly
- Jordan Rudess shaved his head. Dear god man! No!

This is a must-own for Dream Theater fans (those who do not detest 6DOIT and ToT), and a full success, capturing their energy and on-stage prescence superbly.
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